Chester Zoo has officially opened The Reserve, its highly anticipated safari-style lodge resort, combining outdoor hospitality with frontline conservation funding.
The landmark development welcomed its first guests on 18 August 2025, marking a new era for the zoo as both a world-class visitor attraction and a sustainable tourism destination.
The resort features 51 lodges, designed with natural materials and set within a lakeside and savannah-inspired landscape. Guests staying in The Reserve enjoy uninterrupted views of giraffes, zebras, and blesbok antelope from their private terraces – immersive encounters that blend seamlessly with the comforts of a boutique hotel.
Amenities include:
- Amboseli Restaurant: offering contemporary dining inspired by global conservation regions.
- Tsavo Lounge: serving cocktails and light bites with panoramic views.
- Exclusive guest benefits such as early morning zoo access, curated animal experiences, and dedicated concierge services.
Each lodge is fully equipped for comfort and sustainability, offering climate control, modern furnishings and spacious interiors suitable for families, couples, or small groups.
Conservation Through Tourism
Crucially, every stay at The Reserve directly supports Chester Zoo’s international conservation work. All net proceeds will fund projects protecting endangered wildlife and habitats in the UK, Uganda, Kenya and beyond.
The zoo expects The Reserve to generate £10 million annually in visitor spending and to attract an additional 35,000 overnight guests per year, reinforcing its role as a key economic driver for the North West.
The resort has also created around 70 new jobs, with roles spanning hospitality, guest services, and wildlife engagement.
A Milestone for Immersive Hospitality
Chester Zoo’s CEO described the launch as “a first-of-its-kind opportunity to merge unforgettable guest experiences with meaningful conservation impact.”
The development is part of a broader trend in the outdoor hospitality sector where luxury glamping models are being integrated into established visitor attractions, extending dwell time and creating new revenue streams.
